How sweet

    Today is my birthday. I got a call during a class today telling me that there was "something special" downstairs. After some speculations from my 5th graders (and them realizing that it is my birthday), another teacher brought me these flowers. The students were convinced they were from my husband and sons. I didn't think they were because I'd be just as happy if the boys went and made me a leaf bouquet as I would if they spent $150 on roses (probably be more happy with the bouquet since we aren't rich). Well, I opened the card and, wouldn't you know, they are from 2 8th grade girls and a 5th grade boy (brother of one of the 8th graders).  How sweet. In addition to that, they gave me a card and each wrote a special letter to me. I'm so blessed.

 

PS. I was also spoiled at home :)

Fall is coming!

     This is what I felt like when I saw the weather forecast this week. I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned that I am NOT a hot weather person. These past few weeks my classroom has been unbearably hot and I'm excited to say that it looks like it will be lower 75 (outside at least) every day.  Many of my friends are mourning the end of summer but I love the autumn. Here are things I'm looking forward to:

    At the beginning of October, I am bringing Timmy to see Billy Elliot. It has some language and themes that are a little mature for him but I think he'll be fine. I know he will LOVE it. It's one of my favorites. We are seeing it at a local theater near our house (bigger and more professional than just a local community theater company.)

    This guy hits the double digits on October 4th. He is quickly catching up to my students.

   Bringing David, my friend Jessie and her daughter Teagan to see a former student in the national tour of Cinderella. (He's Prince Topher here)  We're going to the Boston Opera House. David has only seen one show before and I'm sure we'll get a chance to chat with Andy after the show.  (This photo was by Carol Rosegg. I copied it from the website so I wanted to give proper credit) 

     Apple picking. (everybody on this tractor is a relative on Matt's side.. and it's not even all of us.)  

      

    My birthday!

    There are so many more things too- hot chocolate, firepits, changing leaves, chilly nights, apple pie, apple crumb, even cooking warm dinners- like a roast beef dinner. Yum. I don't look forward to anything pumpkin since Timmy is deathly allergic.

     What are some of your favorite fall things where you live?

Strep...again

    So, on a negative note- I have strep throat for the second time in a month and a half- which means it either 1) never went away or 2) wasn't strep the first time. Being under the weather, I haven't written much but I hope to get a few letters out this week.

Outgoing:

Soldier mail and mail to Marianne... finally. I have had these ready to go, but I couldn't find my stamps. So, they're on their way now.

Incoming:

     My friend Chrissie totally made my day. I got home from work today and saw this sitting on my dining room table!

  I was super excited to see a package waiting for me because I totally wasn't expecting one!  I had a really bad weekend and then stayed home sick from work yesterday so this was a nice surprise. :) (Check out the little card covering my address. One of Timmy's friends gave it to him as a birthday card :) So cute!)
Stamps: I really like the football (cough cough... soccer) stamp.

 

When I opened the package there were lots of goodies!

Yeah! She remembered my birthday! (October 13) Although I never expect any of my pals so send me any gifts, I am always happy to accept them :)  Isn't her writing amazingly neat? The envelope on the left was a great letter, the right was a birthday card (Nice beach.. My friend Jan sent me a card that said "This year you have nothing to worry about on your birthday." You open it and it says: "The high priestess only sacrifices much younger women." Nice.)  The gift was a stationary pad. I love stationary of all kinds. Thanks, Chrissie!
     In addition to this, there were also these goodie envelopes, sticker bags and label bags:

     I haven't traded these before. If any of my penpals are reading this, let me know if you want any of these. I will add my stuff and then pass them on. Usually I put them in the next letter I respond to, but if there is somebody who likes to trade certain items, let me know and I will send them. Actually, it would be helpful to know what kinds of things you like- FB, label bags, sticker bags, x-slips, swap sheets, etc...

Other...

    In other news, I survived Timmy's 7th birthday party.  I now know why I chose not to have 14 children.. lol.. and why I didn't have 12 kids in 1 year.   Timmy loved Blue Man Group and was pretty amusing to watch during the show. He had a great day.

     I also heard from my food swap partner. My package will be from The Netherlands (stroopwafels? mmm..). The Postcrosser who is sending it has been through a rough time lately so I hope things get better soon. It will get here eventually.